This book studies the works of Ann Rule, aiming to shed light on her literary career as a largely uncelebrated True Crime writer, in addition to works by other lesser-known female True Crime writers including Alia Trabucco Zerán, Katherine Ellison and Caitlin Rother. Barnes argues that Rule’s works should be regarded as landmarks in True Crime fiction. In so doing, she critically considers how Rules blended non-fiction and fiction to produce character- and plot-driven works through reliance on figurative language and varied but impactful narrative methodologies. Barnes also draws parallels between the success of iconic female writers, such as Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers, in the Golden Age of detective and crime fiction and considers the similarities, differences and connections between these genres.

Charlotte Barnes is Lecturer in Cultural Studies at the University of Worcester, UK. She predominantly researches crime fiction through practice-based means, focusing on representations of female violence and psychopathy as well as True Crime literature. Her previous publications include Deconstructing True Crime Literature (2023). She is also a poet, essayist, and editor. She is currently working on a new novel and planning for her third academic monograph.